Failure to pay invoices between March and November 2024 results in the interruption of energy supply in 15 of the institution’s buildings
The (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) faced a power cut in 15 of its buildings on Tuesday (12.Nov.2024), due to a debt of R$31.8 million with , the company providing the service. Units registered with Light as essential, such as health and security services, were spared from suspension to ensure continuity of service to the population.
The accumulated debt refers to invoices due between March and November 2024, in addition to R$3.9 million not paid off from a previous agreement. At the time, Light and the UFRJ rectory agreed to pay in installments a debt of R$21.3 million; however, only R$13 million has been paid to date.
UFRJ distributed a note of clarification about the electricity cut in several of the institution’s buildings. According to the text, in July 2024, the university received a notification of a cut in electricity supply, but at no point did it refuse to pay the debt, having requested a budget supplement from the MEC (Ministry of Education).
The institution also clarifies that, during this period, the Federal Attorney’s Office, together with UFRJ, obtained early relief to avoid a cut in supply. The energy company appealed to the Judiciary and overturned the anticipated relief.
After an extensive meeting on Tuesday, which ended without consensus, the energy company began a process of cutting off supplies to UFRJ buildings. According to the university, the rectory has already adopted measures to reverse this situation as quickly as possible.
With information from
